Marijuana poisoning in pets is not an epidemic, but people who have both should be aware of the signs of a pet in distress.
Older and sick animals whose systems may be weakened are especially at risk if they ingest marijuana.
Urgent: Should Marijuana Be Legalized in All States?
The most common signs that a pet is experiencing marijuana poisoning include depression, ataxia (loss of coordination), and bradycardia (slow heart rate), according to a
peer-reviewed article by veterinary Dr. Caroline W. Donaldson.
"Other signs include agitation, vocalization, vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, tachycardia [increased heart rate], hypothermia, mydriasis [dilated pupils], urinary incontinence, seizures, and coma," wrote Donaldson.
San Francisco veterinarian Eric Barchas says marijuana poisoning can come from pets ingesting the dried version of marijuana, live marijuana plants, as well as food that contains marijuana.
He noted on his website: "Serious long-term health consequences and fatality from marijuana intoxication are extremely rare, although newer highly concentrated strains of marijuana and synthetic drugs (such as 'spice') that mimic marijuana pose a more significant threat. Also, pets that are exposed to marijuana may display anxiety and disorientation, and are prone to 'bad trips'. Intoxicated pets may lack the coordination necessary to consume food and water."
Latest: Tell Us About Your Pets! Which Do You Have?
He added that longtime complications from such poisoning were rare.
"In my personal experience dealing with many hundreds or perhaps even thousands of cases of marijuana intoxication none of my patients has ever suffered a significant long-term complication as a result of marijuana ingestion. These include a number of patients who had consumed massive quantities of the product (I have treated patients who consumed several pounds of market-ready plant material, or dozens of doses of potent medical grade edible products)."
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.